Ottawa, Friday, October 19, 2012

It is a pleasure to join you here today as you celebrate the 35th anniversary of Canadian Parents for French and as you chart a new course for second-language education for our children.

As a father, I well know the importance of teaching children both of Canada’s official languages. Today, all five of my daughters are bilingual and their own children—my grandchildren—are continuing this family tradition of learning two languages. This gives them greater opportunities in the future and a better appreciation of what it means to be Canadian.

There is also a side benefit in that learning more than one language opens the door to an entire linguistic landscape. I am proud that all of my daughters are able to speak more than just two languages, bringing them closer to understanding people around the world. And, as they learn to understand, they are exposed to new ideas and new ways in which to build a smarter, more caring nation.

This ideal starts with all of you here in this room, parents who want to give their children every chance to succeed and perhaps to provide them with the opportunities they themselves never had.

That many of you here are volunteers speaks highly to your commitment both to education and to our official languages.

Since my mandate began, I have been talking about how important volunteerism is to our society, how when we give, we strengthen our nation in so many ways.

That is one of the reasons why I am so proud to be patron of Canadian Parents for French. You have seen a need in our society, a need to advocate for strong second-language opportunities, and you have set out to realize this goal in your precious spare time. As parents, it is deeply ingrained in us to improve our community to give the next generation the best chance to succeed. 

So when we take time away from our families—to come here to this national conference, for instance—we are ensuing that our children, the future leaders of this country, can and will build a better, more united, more inclusive nation.

That is why I am so delighted to see the release of The State of French Second Language Education in Canada report. Here you have a clear summary of Canada’s strengths and weaknesses in promoting second language skills, and of the importance of learning. I commend all of you for putting a focus on such a vital area of our society.

The French language, after all, is so important to Canadians; it is part of our national identity. In the 1840s, Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, along with an ardent supporter in Robert Baldwin, fought for French rights and for the opportunity for French culture to survive and grow in a united Canada.

In 2017, our country will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. This milestone is a perfect opportunity to ask ourselves not only what the country we desire will look like, but also what the state of bilingualism in Canada should be. How can we ensure that the French language and culture remain active and grow in today’s world?

We strive for a smart and caring nation, where all Canadians can succeed, contribute and develop their talents to their fullest potential.

A healthy and vibrant French language and culture are an important part of this vision.

As you discuss the challenges of the 21st century leading up to our big celebration in five years’ time, I know that you will strengthen our bilingual nation.

All of you are champions of our official languages, and for that, I thank you.